Annapurna Base Camp

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Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is a renowned trekking destination located in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal. Situated at an altitude of around 4,130 meters (13,550 feet), it offers panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range along with other majestic mountains. The trek starts from Jhinu Dada and passes through picturesque landscapes, traditional villages, and rhododendron forests. It takes about 8-10 days to complete (as per one’s itinerary), and accommodations are available in teahouses along the route. Reaching the base camp provides trekkers with a breathtaking amphitheatre of snow-capped peaks. The trek is moderately challenging and requires acclimatization. It combines natural beauty, cultural experiences, and the allure of the Annapurna Mountains.

Annapurna Conservation Area was established in 1992, covering 7629 km2.

Annapurna Conservation Area, the first conservation area and the largest protected area in Nepal, is managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). Annapurna Conservation Area covers an area of 7,629 sq. km. and is home to over 100,000 residents of different cultural and linguistic groups. Annapurna Conservation Area is rich in biodiversity and is a treasure house for 1,226 species of flowering plants, 105 mammals, 518 birds, 40 reptiles, and 23 amphibians.

Several features make the Annapurna region a unique place in the world. It has the world’s deepest river gorge—Kali Gandaki Gorge, which is 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, is a valley with fossils from the Tethys Sea dating back 60 million years. The region contains the world’s largest rhododendron forest in Ghorepani. Tilicho Lake, located in Manang, north of the Annapurna massif, is the world’s highest-altitude freshwater lake.

The biological diversity of the Annapurna region is equalled by its cultural diversity. Gurung and Magar are the dominant groups in the south, whereas Thakali, Manage, and Loba are dominant in the north. Each of these groups speaks its own dialect and has unique cultures and traditions. Besides, there are also Brahmins, Chhetris, and other occupational castes, although in comparatively smaller numbers. Hindu, Buddhist, and pre-Buddhist religions, along with a mixture of all these, are prevalent across the region. The local people reside in the five districts of the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA).

The Annapurna region is famous for the mountain ranges and Himalayan peaks of the Annapurna massif. Mt Fishtail 6997M, Mt Annapurna South 7219 M, Mt Annapurna I 8091M, Annapurna II 7,937 M, Annapurna III 7,555 M, and Annapurna IV 7,525 M, Mt Gangapura 7455M, Mt Himchuli 6441M, Dhampus Peak 6012 M, Tuckhe Peak 6920 M, Gurja Peak 9193M, Nilgiri North (7061 m), Nilgiri Central (6940 m), and others.

The natural and cultural features of ACA have made it the most popular trekking destination in the country, attracting the majority of the country’s total trekkers. Over the years, tourism has been firmly established as one of the most important sectors of the local economy. There are over 1,000 lodges, tea shops, and hundreds of other subsidiary services to cater to the thousands of trekkers, pilgrims, and their support staff. The soaring number of visitors, whose fuelwood consumption is twice that of the local people, has exerted immense pressure on forest resources already stressed by the growing local population. Similarly, litter, particularly the waste produced by trekkers and hoteliers, is another major concern. It is estimated that an average trekking group of 15 people generates about 15 kilos of non-biodegradable and non-burnable garbage in a 10-day trek, producing tonnes of garbage in mountain regions annually.

The multifaceted problems of ACA have been addressed through an integrated, community-based conservation and development approach, an experimental model that has been in the vanguard of promoting the concepts of "conservation area" through an "Integrated Conservation and Development Programme" approach in the country and abroad. ACAP was first tested as a pilot programme by the Ghandruk Village Development Committee (VDC) in 1986. After being notified in the Gazette as a "Conservation Area" in 1992, ACAP’s programme covered the entire area. Additionally, ACA is the first protected area that has allowed residents to live within the boundaries, own their private property, and maintain their traditional rights and access to the use of natural resources. It is also the first protected area that has refrained from using army assistance to protect the dwindling natural resource base on which the region depends. Instead, it invests whatever financial resources are available for community development and social capital building in the region.

In the Annapurna Conservation Area, the altitude varies from 1,000 m above sea level to 8,091 m. This drastic change in altitude in the 50-kilometre stretch makes Annapurna naturally rich and diverse. On one side, Annapurna is known as the wettest area in Nepal, with lush green forests and dense rhododendron forests in the south, whereas Annapurna massifs prevent most of the rain from reaching the upper part of the conservation area, creating a dry, high-altitude desert environment in the north.
Annapurna is a Sanskrit name that means "Full of Grains'' and is normally translated as "Goddess of the Harvests" or more simply ‘The Provider. In Hinduism, Annapurna is regarded as "the universal and timeless kitchen goddess, the mother who feeds".

The Annapurna region is one of the prime travel destinations in Nepal. Popular treks include the Annapurna Circuit, Round Annapurna, Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Poonhill Trek, and many others. Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 meters, 13,550 feet) is one of the scenic and adventurous trekking routes in the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) of Nepal.

From the Magical Pokhara, the route to Annapurna Base Camp starts with a 3-hour drive to Jhinu Dada or Ghandruk. The route passes through terraced farmland, picturesque landscapes, traditional villages, and rhododendron forests, which, in spring, burst with many different colors. From Jhinu Dada/Ghandruk, the trail ascends through forested hillsides and narrow river valleys before opening wide as you reach a higher altitude. Once we reach Deurali, the Mountain vista welcomes us with a majestic view of Machhapuchhre Himal. At ABC, the surrounding mountains and glaciers give the effect of an amphitheater surrounded by a ring of mountains.

The magical and majestic sunrises and sunsets over the Annapurna and surrounding mountains cap the amazing Annapurna Base Camp experience. The trek finishes at lakeside Pokhara, where you relax and enjoy the tranquility of the lake and its backdrop mountains that you experienced at Base Camp.

Mt. Annapurna, the 10th highest mountain in the world, is at an altitude of 8,091 m (26,545 ft). It is located east of a great gorge cut through the Himalayas by the Kali Gandaki River, which separates it from the Dhaulagiri massif. Mt. Annapurna I is the main peak of this chain of mountains, which includes Annapurna II (7937 m), Annapurna III (7555 m), Annapurna IV (7525 m), and Annapurna South (7219 m). It was first submitted by a French expedition led by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal on June 3, 1950, and the first Nepali climber to summit this peak was Sonam Wolang Sherpa on October 13, 1977.
Day 01. Arrival In Kathmandu 1350m:

On the day of your arrival, we will be there to pick you up from the airport and check you into your hotel. After that, you can take a rest as you will probably be tired because of a long flight. If you arrive early, after taking some rest you can walk around the places near your hotel and freshen up or do some last-minute shopping for things that you will need or buy souvenirs.

Day 02. Full-day Kathmandu (Preparation and Site seeing):

On the second day, we will rise early and have breakfast as well as the tour guide will brief you on your travel plans. Then we will begin our journey, we will first go to Swayambhu MahaChaitya. We will arrange all the required travel permits before we head to explore Patan Darwar Square.

Day 03. Kathmandu to Pokhara 950m:

After breakfast, we will travel to Pokhara (either by tourist bus, by air, or by private vehicle). At Pokhara, we walk around the lakeside and make final preparations. Depending on arrival time the activities may vary.

Day 04. Pokhara to Chhomrong:

Today from Pokhara after early breakfast we will drive for around 3 hours to reach Jhinu Dada. The scenic road through Hemja, Nau Dada with a panoramic view of Phewa Lake, kade- Lumle. After crossing Naya (New) bridge we will drive along the Modi River to reach Jhinu Dada. After crossing the long suspension bridge we will start our walking adventure!

After lunch, at Jhinu we will walk towards our day destination Chhomrong which is a 2-3 hour walk. Walking through the jungle we will enjoy singing birds and hilly surroundings. Chomrung is the meeting point of trekkers coming from Jhinu Dada, Ghandrunk and Poonhill Tadapani trekking routes.

Day 05. Chhomrong to Dovan:

Waking up with beautiful mountains at vibrant Chomrung with travelers from around the globe we walk in rhythm towards ABC. After breakfast through stone steps, we will make our way down to lower Chhomrong to cross a suspension bridge. After some rest, we will climb uphill toward Lower Sinwa to Upper Sinwa. From here we will make our way to Bamboo. From Bamboo, we will walk to our day destination Dovan.

On the way, glimpses of beautiful Manchepunche (Fishtail) Himal will keep us inspired. a gentle breeze and green jungle, flowing Modi river create an amazing atmosphere.

Day 06. Dovan to MBC:

After breakfast, we will begin the journey. Our today’s destination is Machhapuchre Base Camp, commonly known as MBC. The trail from Dovan climbs uphill towards the Himalayan. On the way, we will reach Baraha Temple. One of the cultural and natural hotspots of the entire Annapurna region. Here it is believed that after crossing this temple animal sacrifice is forbidden. The beautiful 108 waterfalls, the sound of the river rushing down through the stone creating refreshing wind. The singing birds, colorful flowers, and jungle surrounding create a magical atmosphere.

We will stop at the Himalayas for refreshment before continuing our journey, From Himalayan the river valley starts opening up with wider views with beautiful waterfalls along the way. As we reach Deurali the valley widens up with more frequent waterfalls. Deurali in Nepali means the top.

From Deurali we will walk towards the Machhapuchhre Basecamp with a wide view of different mountains and the back side view of Fishtail (Machhapuchhre). Surrounding Mountains, the happy faces and warmth of MBC will ease away all the pain and hardship experienced during the day. The view of sunset on the mountains will add excitement to prepare our next day’s journey to reach ‘ABC’ the garden of the Himalayas.

Day 07. MBC TO ABC 4130m:

Today we will reach the highest point of our trek, Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is around 3 hours away from MBC with widened mountain valley, the more we climb up the more mountains we will see, with grazing sheep and guide dogs, the gently flowing river, and the pasture land with colorful flowers and breeze will add more excitement to reach the pinnacle of journey.

After checking in at the hotel, we will enjoy warm lunch. After lunch, we will walk around the base camp to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature.

In the evening the mountains and setting sun create a magical environment.

Day 08. ABC to Bamboo 2310m:

The Base Camp is spectacular, we will get up early along with fellow travelers to reach the viewpoint to witness the magic. After the magical sunrise, standing surrounded Annapurna I, Machhapuchre, Annapurna South, 12 Chuli, Tent Peak, Gangapurna, Himchuli, and Annapurna III.

After breakfast we will pack our bags to return the same route with lifelong memories of beautiful mountains, the amazing views, and the friends and families met during the trail. The journey back gets easier with more downhill and more friends. We will stop at Deurali for Lunch then we will continue our journey towards Bamboo.

Day 09. Bamboo to Ghandruk/Jhinu Dada 2170m:

For this day we have two options and can be approached as you wish. We can either go to Jhinu Dada which will take around six-hour maximum to reach there. We will reach via Sinwa and Chhomrong. In Jhinu Dada we will arrive for lunch, you can go and experience the natural hot spring that is within half an hour's walking distance.

In the next option, we have Ghandruk Village where there is a prominent Gurung Culture, one of Nepal’s ethnic groups. You can experience the traditional Gurung culture, with unique architecture and culture. You can unwind with the beautiful view of the mountains and visit Gurung Museum.

Day 10. Ghandruk/Jhinu Dada to Pokhara 950m:

On this day we will depart early for Pokhara. Once you reach the hotel, you can freshen up and take a rest or explore the city of Pokhara as there are a lot of activities you can do and many places you can visit.

Day 11. Pokhara to Kathmandu 1350m:

On the second last day, you will be coming back to Kathmandu via your preferred mode of transportation (by road or plane)

Day 12. Kathmandu free day for shopping or personal independent activities:

This is a free day for you to explore Kathmandu City. You can buy souvenirs for your loved ones, go shopping for Nepali local products and support the local people, try Nepali cuisines, and so on. At night, you will go out for dinner with us as a farewell.

Day 13. Final Departure:

On this day, you will be taken to the airport as per your flight schedule and thus comes the end of your journey with us for now.
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WHAT'S INCLUDED?
- - Airport Pick up & Drop Transportation by private vehicle
  - Twin/Double sharing accommodation at Kathmandu in 3 stars hotels with breakfast
  - Standard accommodation during the trek
  - Meals (Breakfast, lunch, dinner) during trekking
  - Tea/coffee with breakfast during the trek
  - Basic first aid kit
  - Trained & Government licensed guide and porter
  - Wages, equipment, insurance for staff
  - Trekking map for group
  - Annapurna conservation area permit and TIMS fee
  - Accommodation, meals, salary, equipment & Insurance for trekking staff
  - Travel & Rescue arrangement
  - All government taxes
  - Farewell dinner
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
- - Alcohol, hot and cold drinks, laundry.
  - Personal Trekking Equipment.
  - Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the Price Include section.
  - Any extra cost due to natural and political causes such as landslides, earthquakes, unrest, snow, strikes, etc.
  - Other Entrance fees not mentioned in the cost include